Buying a Tesla?

Order

Place your order online or at a Tesla store.

After you place your order, you’ll have one week to change options before the Tesla factory begins sourcing parts to custom build your Model S. Your owner advisor will then introduce you to your local delivery team.

Prepare your garage

Install a wall outlet or connector with the help of an electrician.

Most owners choose to install a 240 volt outlet or Wall Connector in their garage to charge Model S. The Model S charge port is located just in front of the driver’s side tail light, so make sure you place your charging equipment accordingly. Our charging installation team will help you find a local electrician. You can contact them at

If you ordered a Wall Connector, it will be shipped to the shipping address in your My Tesla account. Installation guides are posted in the My Tesla documents section.

VIN assignment

A unique ID for your Model S.

About five weeks before the factory begins building your Model S, you’ll be assigned a vehicle identification number (VIN). Available in My Tesla, your VIN is often required by banks and insurance companies when applying for financing or car insurance.

This is the ideal time to begin researching financing options and obtaining insurance for your new Model S. Your delivery experience specialist will contact you to help you through the process and answer any questions you may have.

Tesla Leasing

Tesla leasing is a three year program with 10,000, 12,000, or 15,000 annual mileage options. A $5,000 down payment, $695 acquisition fee, and the first month’s lease payment is due when picking up your Model S. A $395 disposition fee is required when returning your Model S at the end of your lease.

Every lease comes with Tesla's Happiness Guarantee. If you don't like your car for any reason within the first three months, you can return it and your remaining lease obligation is waived. While you cannot immediately lease another Model S, you can upgrade to a higher optioned Model S for a fee to cover the new vs used value difference.

Schedule your delivery

After production, your Model S will be shipped from the Tesla factory to your nearest service center. Your delivery experience specialist will let you know in advance what date your Model S will be ready and schedule your appointment.

You can always change your appointment date or time in My Tesla, but we recommend picking up your Model S as soon as it arrives.

Production

Your delivery experience specialist will let you know when your Model S enters final assembly. If you live in California, you’re welcome to take delivery at the Tesla factory and tour our facilities. Our factory is a marvel in its own right.

If you live farther away, you’ll have a standing invitation to visit the factory for a tour the next time you’re in the San Francisco Bay Area. Just let your delivery experience specialist know that you’re interested and they’ll reserve you a spot.

Events begin to happen fast during production, so now is a good time to ensure your registration and financing information is accurate in My Tesla. If you live in a state that requires advance payment prior to delivery, you can pay using a wire transfer or online check. Your delivery experience specialist will let you know if this applies to you.

Take delivery

When you take delivery, your delivery experience specialist will first finalize your registration and financing paperwork. You’ll then receive a detailed walkthrough of your Model S features and tips for charging at home and on the go. Videos of the walkthrough are available online so you don’t need to worry about forgetting anything.

Drive

Taking delivery of your Model S is only the beginning. You’ll find extra time in your day by never stopping at a gas station and you can drive for free using Tesla’s growing network of Superchargers. Your Model S will also receive frequent software updates over the air ensuring that your car will get better over time, not more out of date.

Should you ever need anything, our customer service team is here to help. Call them at (877) 798-3752 any day, anytime.